DEPARTMENT OF MEDICAL BIOCHEMISTRY

Stimulants are a major constituent of psychoactive substances. They cause several untoward effects; including academic difficulty which can lead to untoward consequences for students. The understanding of the knowledge and pattern of use of stimulant will help in its prevention and control. Thus, this study intended to investigate the knowledge and practice and current prevalence rates of stimulant use, using the undergraduate students in the university of Benin as case study, age and gender of students as well monthly income and how they got to know about stimulants, specific type of stimulant used and reason for using stimulants. The instrument consisted of sociodemographic variables and the stimulant knowledge section, benefits, health effects and effects section of Questionnaire for Student Drug Use Survey. It was administered on 100 undergraduate students of University of Benin selected by random technique. The current prevalence rates of stimulant use were 61%, 54% and 50% respectively for the use caffeine, alcohol and cannabis. The majority (77%) of our respondents were in the age range of 21-25. Only 2% of our respondents were married. Therefore, efforts at curtailing the use of stimulants must start early; incorporating such strategy into primary school curriculum will be worthwhile. There is need to focus more on common stimulants like coffee, Kola nut, caffeinated energy drinks. Students need to study without using stimulants.

Cotton (Gossypium spp.) seeds, a primary by-product of the global cotton industry, are often underutilized but represent a potential source of valuable bioactive compounds. This study was designed to quantify the total phenolic content (TPC) and total flavonoid content (TFC) of dried cotton seeds to evaluate their potential for value-added applications. An aqueous extract was prepared from dried, powdered seeds, and the presence of phenols and flavonoids was confirmed using standard qualitative phytochemical screening. Total phenolic content was determined spectrophotometrically using the Folin-Ciocalteu method with tannic acid as the standard, while total flavonoid content was measured via the aluminum chloride colorimetric assay using quercetin as the standard. The quantitative analysis revealed a substantial total phenolic content of 82.35 ± 0.40 g of tannic acid equivalents per kilogram (g TAE/kg) of the dried sample. The total flavonoid content was also significant, measured at 9.15 ± 1.24 g of quercetin equivalents per kilogram (g QE/kg). These findings demonstrate that dried cotton seed is a rich source of natural phenolic antioxidants, highlighting its potential for valorization as a value-added ingredient in functional food, nutraceutical, and animal feed industries and promoting a more sustainable circular economy in cotton production.

Stimulants are a major constituent of psychoactive substances. They cause several untoward effects; including academic difficulty which can lead to untoward consequences for students. The understanding of the knowledge and pattern of use of stimulant will help in its prevention and control. Thus, this study intended to investigate the knowledge and practice and current prevalence rates of stimulant use, using the undergraduate students in the university of Benin as case study, age and gender of students as well monthly income and how they got to know about stimulants, specific type of stimulant used and reason for using stimulants. The instrument consisted of sociodemographic variables and the stimulant knowledge section, benefits, health effects and effects section of Questionnaire for Student Drug Use Survey. It was administered on 100 undergraduate students of University of Benin selected by random technique. The current prevalence rates of stimulant use were 61%, 54% and 50% respectively for the use caffeine, alcohol and cannabis. The majority (77%) of our respondents were in the age range of 21-25. Only 2% of our respondents were married. Therefore, efforts at curtailing the use of stimulants must start early; incorporating such strategy into primary school curriculum will be worthwhile. There is need to focus more on common stimulants like coffee, Kola nut, caffeinated energy drinks. Students need to study without using stimulants.

Diabetes mellitus (DM), particularly type 2 diabetes (T2DM), represents a global health crisis characterized by persistent hyperglycemia due to insulin resistance and β-cell dysfunction. With projections estimating 783 million affected adults by 2045, current pharmacotherapies like metformin and sulfonylureas face limitations including side effects, high costs, and therapeutic inertia. This has spurred interest in medicinal plants as complementary therapies. Spondias mombin L. (hog plum), traditionally used in Nigeria for diabetes management, exhibits antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and hypoglycemic properties, yet its molecular mechanisms remain underexplored. This study investigates the effects of ethanol extract of S. mombin on insulin signaling pathway genes (IR-Insulin Receptor, AKT-AKT serine/theorine kinase, PPAR γ- Peroxisome Proliferator activated receptor Gamma, DPP-4- Dipeptidyl peptidases 4) in high fat diet (HFD) and streptozotocin (STZ)-induced T2DM rats, aiming to validate its ethnomedicinal use and elucidate gene-modulating potential. Male Wistar rats (150-200 g) were acclimatized, then divided into five groups (n=6): Group 1: normal control, Group 2: positive control, Group 3: diabetic control, Group 4: 200mg/kg of extract and Group 5: 400mg/kg of extract. T2DM was induced via 2-week HFD followed by low-dose STZ (40 mg/kg i.p.). Treatments were administered orally for 2 weeks. Body weights and organ weights (pancreas, liver) were measured. Liver RNA was isolated for semi-quantitative RT-PCR analysis of IR, AKT, GLUT-4, PPAR-γ, DPP-4. Results revealed diabetes-induced body weight loss (147 ± 9.56 g vs. 184.17 ± 11.92 g in controls), reduction in the weight of the pancreas (0.19 ± 0.04 g vs. 0.59 ± 0.14 g), and increase in liver weight (8.56 ± 0.25 g vs. 7.33 ± 0.53 g). Extract treatments restored body weights dose-dependently (189.11 ± 15.99 g at 200 mg/kg; 209.28 ± 17.74 g at 400 mg/kg), surpassing glipizide (170.79 ± 31.55 g). Pancreas weights increased to 0.29 ± 0.04 g and 0.32 ± 0.05 g, while liver weights normalized, indicating protective effects. Gene expression analysis showed downregulation in diabetic controls for IR, AKT, GLUT-4, PPAR-γ, and DPP-4. Extract upregulated these genes dose-dependently, often exceeding glipizide, suggesting enhanced insulin sensitivity, glucose uptake, and metabolic regulation. These findings corroborate S. mombin's antioxidant and anti-inflammatory mechanisms, likely driven by flavonoids and saponins, addressing T2DM's multifactorial nature. The extract's superiority over glipizide highlights its potential as a safe, affordable adjunct therapy, overcoming conventional limitations. This study provides mechanistic evidence supporting phytotherapy in T2DM management, contributing to natural product-based drug discovery. The research aligns with T2DM pathophysiology, involving disruptions in insulin signaling (e.g., IR, AKT, GLUT-4, PPAR-γ, DPP-4) exacerbated by oxidative stress and inflammation. Literature highlights plants' multi-target actions, such as enhancing glucose uptake via PI3K/AKT activation and enzyme inhibition, positioning S. mombin as a candidate with validated antihyperglycemic effects in prior model

Manganese is a trace element and an environmental pollutant widely used in industries, but excessive exposure is associated with multi-organ toxicity. While its neurotoxic effects are well documented, its impact on metabolic and renal functions is less explored. Manganese toxicity is known to promote oxidative stress, which can disrupt lipid metabolism and damage renal tissues. Cinnamic acid (CA) is a natural phenolic compound that has potent antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, which may offer a promising therapeutic benefit in ameliorating manganese chloride toxicity. This study evaluated the effect of cinnamic acid (CA) on the lipid profile and kidney function of female rats exposed to Manganese Chloride. Thirty (30) adult female rats were randomly divided into six (6) groups (n=5); group 1 (normal control), group 2 (10mg/kg MnCl2), group 3 (CA low dose, 50 mg/kg), group 4 (CA high dose, 100mg/kg), group 5 (MnCl2 + 50mg/kg CA) and group 6 (MnCl2 + 100mg/kg CA). Treatment was orally administered daily for 90 days. Thereafter, the rats were sacrificed under anesthesia, and blood samples were collected for lipid profile and kidney function analysis. The results revealed that the group exposed to MnCl2 without treatment had significantly (p < 0.05) impaired renal function, indicated by elevated serum urea and creatinine levels, electrolyte imbalance when compared to the normal control group. It also induced a dyslipidemic state with increased total cholesterol, triglycerides, low density lipoprotein (LDL) and decreased high density lipoprotein (HDL) levels. Co-treatment with CA demonstrated a dose-dependent ameliorative effect, as it was observed that group 6 (MnCl2 + CA high dose) showed better protection nearly normalizing the kidney function and lipid profile markers. No significant alterations were observed in groups 3 and 4 compared to the normal control. Findings from this study suggest that CA possesses renal protective and hypolipidemic potential against MnCl2-induced toxicity in a dose dependent manner. The mechanism is likely attributed to the antioxidant activity of CA which counteracts MnCl2 induced oxidative damage.

Using Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry (GC-MS), the fatty acid ester (FAE) profiles in aqueous and ethanolic extracts of Sphenocentrum jollyanum roots were compared in this study. The goal was to investigate the effect of solvent polarity on the yield and variety of FAEs, which are bioactive molecules with pharmacological significance. Compared to the aqueous extract, the ethanolic extract had a considerably higher yield and a more intricate fatty acid ester profile. Methyl palmitate, ethyl linoleate, and methyl stearate are some of the major esters found in the ethanolic extract; these compounds are known for their antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties. Conversely, the aqueous extract had a lower concentration of fewer of these esters. The findings demonstrate unequivocally that ethanol is a superior solvent for extracting lipophilic molecules, such fatty acid esters, from S. jollyanum. For the purpose of standardizing extraction methods intended at utilizing the plant's full therapeutic potential for medicinal uses, this discovery is essential.

Stimulants are a major constituent of psychoactive substances. They cause several untoward effects; including academic difficulty which can lead to untoward consequences for students. The understanding of the knowledge and pattern of use of stimulant will help in its prevention and control. Thus, this study intended to investigate the knowledge and practice and current prevalence rates of stimulant use, using the undergraduate students in the university of Benin as case study, age and gender of students as well monthly income and how they got to know about stimulants, specific type of stimulant used and reason for using stimulants. The instrument consisted of sociodemographic variables and the stimulant knowledge section, benefits, health effects and effects section of Questionnaire for Student Drug Use Survey. It was administered on 100 undergraduate students of University of Benin selected by random technique. The current prevalence rates of stimulant use were 61%, 54% and 50% respectively for the use caffeine, alcohol and cannabis. The majority (77%) of our respondents were in the age range of 21-25. Only 2% of our respondents were married. Therefore, efforts at curtailing the use of stimulants must start early; incorporating such strategy into primary school curriculum will be worthwhile. There is need to focus more on common stimulants like coffee, Kola nut, caffeinated energy drinks. Students need to study without using stimulants.

Elaeis Guineensis(Palm Kernel) oil, an ubiquitous ingredient in global cuisines, has long been recognized for its culinary and industrial applications. However, its nutritional profile remains understudied. This study investigates the chemical composition of Elaeis Guineensis oil, with a specific focus on its flavonoid and alkaloid content. Our rigorous qualitative and quantitative analysis revealed a rich flavonoid profile, with concentrations ranging from 15.20 to 17.10 mg/100g. Conversely, alkaloids were found to be absent in the oil. These findings have significant implications for the potential health benefits of Elaeis Guineensis oil, suggesting its antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and overall health-promoting properties. Our research contributes meaningfully to the existing body of knowledge on Elaeis Guineensis oil, underscoring its value as a nutritious and versatile ingredient in a healthy diet. The outcomes of this study have far-reaching implications for the food industry, nutritionists, and consumers seeking to make informed choices about their dietary intake.

This study developed functional anti-diabetic snack bars using composite flours from
Bambara groundnut, Cardaba banana, beetroot, guava leaf, and cinnamon, and assessed
their mineral and antinutrient compositions in relation to blood glucose regulation. Three formulations (Samples A, B, and C) were analyzed for key minerals magnesium, zinc, calcium, iron, and Phosphorus and antinutrients such as phytates, oxalates, and
cyanogenic compounds. Results revealed significant variations among samples. Sample B contained the most favourable mineral profile, with the highest levels of magnesium, zinc, and phosphorus, alongside low phytate content, indicating strong potential to support insulin activity and glucose metabolism. Sample A had high calcium but elevated
antinutrients, while Sample C showed low antinutrient levels but reduced mineral density. Overall, Sample B demonstrated the best balance between nutrient richness and minimal antinutrient interference, highlighting the potential of indigenous crops in formulating functional foods for glycaemic management.

The in vitro antioxidant activity of methanolic leaf extract of Azadirachta indica (Dogoyaro) was evaluated to determine its potential role in oxidative stress management. Oxidative stress arises from excess reactive oxygen species, contributing to various chronic diseases and increasing the need for safe, plant-derived antioxidants. The extract was analysed using four standard assays: DPPH radical scavenging, ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP), nitric oxide scavenging, and total antioxidant capacity (TAC). Results revealed notable antioxidant properties, with the highest DPPH activity observed at 0.20 mg/mL. Nitric oxide inhibition and reducing power also showed moderate effectiveness, particularly at lower concentrations. Although antioxidant activity remained lower than that of ascorbic acid across all assays, the extract demonstrated
meaningful free-radical-neutralizing ability and electron-donating capacity. The TAC value further indicated the presence of bioactive phytochemicals contributing to overall antioxidant strength. Overall, the findings support the potential of Azadirachta indica leaves as a natural antioxidant source capable of contributing to the management of oxidative stress–related conditions.